Expert: Susan Tannenbam - 7/5/2006

Question
I have had problem with TMJ pain for awhile now and I have seen an oral surgeon and he wants to do invasive surgery.  I am trying to avoid that and would like to know what you did to take care of it.  Please email me.

Answer
Dear Jennifer:  I strongly suggest that you get another opinion from a dentist that treats TMJ.  I use an excellent dentist (after years of trying other professionals that did not help me), in New York.  His name is Dr. Barry Rozenberg, 516-791-4000.  If you are near or in NY, I strongly urge you to see him.  He knows a lot about TMJ and does not believe in invasive surgery for it.  He advised me against having my teeth crowned to change my bite as a TMJ remedy, and I'm glad I didn't do it!  I am NOT a dentist but I can tell you some things I did to alleviate my TMJ pain.  I had a lot of facial pain in and around the jaw joint, and chewing muscles.  Here is a list of things I did and still do when and if I have pain.  Some of them seem very simple, but they should not be taken lightly, as they all help a LOT!
l.  Treadmill...any aerobic exercise causes endorphine release which in turn eases pain.  I do this every day.
2.   Exercises: Hold the head to one side, feel the stretch in the neck, repeat on other side.  A lot of TMJ pain comes from tight neck muscles!
 Open wide, and hold, close mouth, repeat.
 Move jaw first to the right, hold, then to the left.
 Press into the tight facial (painful) muscles in the face, to help loosen up those muscles.
3. A NIGHTGUARD is a must.  I have a hard one that fits over the bottom teeth.  IT is very comfortable.  Dr. R. made it for me.  I was unable to wear the other ones I had gotten without feeling extremely uncomfortable.  Do NOT ever use a soft one.
4. Acupuncture:  this really helps.  Find someone good.
5. Medication:  muscle relaxants like klonopin, flexerall are good as temporary measures.  Anti depressants can be good at breaking the pain cycle and they don't necessarily have to be used for a long period of time.
6. TMJ gel - Dr. R. gave this to me.  It deadens the pain.  You need an Rx for it.  Also try topical numbing creams for arthritis you can get over the counter.  Use a small amount over the painful area.
7. Don't ever eat bagels or chew gum, and stay away from chewy bread.  Most other food is fine.
8. Physical therapy:  I found ultrasound to be the best treatment.  Dr. R. does this in his office too.
A word about advil:  use it sparingly as prolonged use can make pain worse.

Feel free to email me at suelliot2@earthlink.net if you'd like.  If you don't live near Dr. R., you might be able to find a good TMJ dentist through your local dental school.
Good luck.